Elowen's POV
I pushed myself upright on the bed and smoothed my expression before he could read it.
"Nothing," I said. "Just tired from the drive."
He looked at me for a moment longer than felt comfortable, then pushed off the door frame and stepped aside.
I moved forward, looked up at him, "You’re not going to get me a solstice gift?"
"Impatient," he said, flat. "Go downstairs for dinner."
I ducked under his arm where he held the door open and stepped into the corridor.
He fell into step beside me and I slowed to match his pace, and after a few steps he stopped.
"Elowen."
I turned.
"You're here to spend the Solstice with me." He said it simply, without ceremony. "Not to impress anyone or try to fit in. If you find people your age you can talk to, talk to them. If not, don't trou
